AFTER HOUSE VOTE, THE FOOD DEPOT URGES SENATE TO DEFEND SNAP AND MEDICAID, END THREATS TO LONG-TERM STABILITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2025

Santa Fe, NM — Following the House of Representatives’ passage of the budget
reconciliation “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” The Food Depot strongly opposes any
provisions that reduce funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) and Medicaid. Any cuts to nutrition programs or actions that restrict access to
foundational programs will increase hunger in New Mexico. We urge the U.S. Senate to
reject these harmful proposals.

“SNAP is a lifeline for families, seniors, veterans, and children in New Mexico. The
Senate must reject these provisions before people face even greater challenges to
access food and healthcare,” said Jill Dixon, Executive Director of The Food Depot.
“Food banks cannot solve hunger alone. We need strong federal programs working with
the charitable food system and other community partners to end hunger.”

SNAP is the nation’s most effective anti-hunger program. The Food Bank network, while
incredibly effective, can not replace the scale of federal programs. For every meal
provided by food banks and other charitable food sources, SNAP provides nine meals.
With nearly 50 million Americans facing food insecurity, the highest level in over a
decade, The Food Depot urges investments in SNAP, not cuts or added eligibility
requirements.

Over 451,000 New Mexicans, or 1 in 5 people, are enrolled in SNAP. The program lifted
60,000 people out of poverty annually between 2015 and 2019, including 25,000
children.

Cuts to SNAP would directly harm New Mexicans:

• More than 61% of New Mexico SNAP participants are in families with children.
• More than 31% are in families with older adults or people with disabilities.
• 79% of SNAP households in New Mexico include someone who is working.

At a time when 16.6% of New Mexico households are struggling with food insecurity and 25.3% of children live in poverty, these programs must be strengthened and no unnecessary burdens should be placed on eligible families.

Cuts to SNAP would additionally have a direct impact on New Mexico’s economy. In
2023, over 1,500 New Mexico retailers, including grocery stores and farmers’ markets,
redeemed over $1.28 billion in SNAP benefits. Every $1 spent with SNAP generates up
to $1.80 in economic activity. SNAP invests in local economies, especially in rural areas,
by supporting family-owned grocery stores, farmers markets, and food retailers.

Medicaid is also critical to New Mexico’s rural communities. With half of the state’s rural
hospitals currently operating at loss and 39% of New Mexico’s population supported by
Medicaid, cuts to Medicaid will have lasting effects on health and hunger. Cuts to
Medicaid may lead to a further reduction in clinical services or even closures, leaving
families without access to care. Approximately 40% of Medicaid recipients also use
SNAP. The programs work together to improve health outcomes and reduce emergency
room visits. When adults participate in SNAP, they have an average of $1,400 less in
medical care costs than adults with low incomes who do not receive SNAP. Cutting both
Medicaid and SNAP would be forcing families to choose between food, medicine, and
survival.

The Food Depot urges Senator Martin Heinrich, Senator Ben Ray Luján, and senators
across the country to reject these cuts and protect SNAP and Medicaid. These
programs are effective tools to end hunger and promote health. When preserved, these
federal programs support the work of New Mexico’s charitable food system and the
long-term stability of the state. The Food Depot stands ready to work with lawmakers on
policies that support healthy, hunger-free communities.

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About The Food Depot
The Food Depot, Northern New Mexico’s food bank, works to make healthy food
accessible to every person in every community. Serving nine counties across 26,000
square miles, The Food Depot distributes nutritious food and essential resources to
more than 40,000 people. A combination of innovative food programs, resource
navigation, and bold advocacy supports individuals and families on the path to lasting
food security. In 2024, The FoodDepot provided an average of 700,000 meals each
month through a combination of its own direct programs and partnerships with more
than 80 nonprofit agencies. Recognized for its impact and integrity, The Food Depot is aSanta Fe Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year, a Santa Fe Community
Foundation Piñon Award recipient, and a four-star Charity Navigator nonprofit. Together,
we can nourish communities and create a hunger-free future. Learn, donate, advocate,
and volunteer at thefooddepot.org.